Fix BMW TPMS Failure: Causes, Solutions & Reset Guide

The TPMS may fail if tire pressure is incorrect. Faulty sensor readings can also trigger it unnecessarily. If all fixes fail, it’s likely a factory defect, requiring a visit to your dealership.

Why does the TPMS fail?

A TPMS failure causes your dashboard to display a blinking yellow “TPMS failure” warning. What does this indicate, and how can it be resolved? A TPMS failure alert suggests a problem with your tires.

The TPMS warning light primarily signals tire pressure issues, though other tire-related problems may also activate this alert.

Tire pressure drops from regular use – Over time, tires lose air due to normal driving wear. This gradual loss occurs as you travel on roads.

Experts and car manufacturers suggest checking tire pressure every two months. For older tires on your BMW, inspect the pressure monthly.

Visit a gas station with an air pump to check tire pressure. Look for the PSI number on your tires and use it to inflate them properly.

Tire pressure drops due to punctures or damage – A sudden pressure drop may occur if you drive over sharp objects like rocks on the highway, which can pierce the tire’s rubber.

Urban areas often have glass on roadsides from littering, such as broken bottles left by careless individuals, which can damage tires.

If your BMW’s tires have punctures, you have two choices. A mechanic can patch the holes if the tires are relatively new, typically less than a year old.

For older tires due for replacement, it’s better to buy new ones instead of repairing them. If your tires haven’t been replaced in three to five years, opt for a new set.

Tire pressure is fine, but there’s a calibration issue – The TPMS needs periodic recalibration. If it’s been a while, the warning light may flash on your dashboard.

Tire pressure is normal, but the sensor is faulty – A defective sensor may send incorrect data to the vehicle’s computer, triggering the warning.

Faulty sensor data – Malfunctioning sensors can transmit inaccurate information. Resetting the TPMS may clear the issue. If not, the sensor or tire may need replacement.

What is the TPMS?

No longer must you guess your tire pressure or manually check for flats after a long day. Your BMW now notifies you of tire pressure issues automatically.

Thanks to the TPMS, or Tire Pressure Monitoring System, your BMW alerts you to tire pressure problems through the TPM component.

The TPM links to pressure sensors inside the tires, which periodically measure pressure and send data to the vehicle’s main computer or ECU.

If tire pressure falls too low, the system sends a warning to the dashboard, alerting the driver to take action.

The TPM differs from the Flat Tire Monitor (FTM), another type of tire pressure monitoring system.

How to reset the TPMS

If tire pressure is correct, the issue may lie with the computer or sensors sending data. Fortunately, you can reset the TPMS to clear faulty data.

Follow these steps to reset the TPMS and eliminate erroneous data.

First, inflate all tires to the PSI number indicated on the tires.

Next, enter your BMW, start the engine, and press the menu button near the gear shift to display the menu on the dashboard console.

Navigate to vehicle info and select it, then choose vehicle status. A 3D image of your car and a small menu will appear.

Scroll to the “perform reset” button and click it. The screen will update, showing the tire pressure info box.

Click “perform reset” again. The screen will display a spinning image, indicating the system is resetting. Keep the vehicle on.

Drive around your neighborhood a few times to allow the system to reset and recalibrate with the new data.

When to visit the dealer

Some TPMS issues can’t be fixed with DIY methods or by a mechanic. In rare cases, the BMW’s TPMS may have been built with defective sensors or wiring.

How do you know it’s time to visit the dealer? If your mechanic has tried all possible fixes and the TPMS warning persists, it’s likely a manufacturing issue.

BMW owners on forums often report ongoing TPMS issues despite regular servicing, expressing frustration with the system’s reliability.

If your mechanic has inspected the sensors, checked tire pressure, and reset the TPMS, but the warning persists, the manufacturer may be at fault.

Conclusion

For a BMW TPMS failure, try inflating the tires, fixing or replacing damaged tires, or resetting the system to clear faulty sensor data. After resetting, drive to allow recalibration.